She turned radiantly back to the party in the grove. Her "It is he" made Albert smile. It was so charming, so sincere that they all shared the quality of her joy.
It was indeed Maurice returning on the Princess's yacht. The tide was so high that the boat could get quite close.
Everyone went down to the beach where the waves were washing the little rocks. Albert jumped on the largest rock which seemed to recede to sea with him. Genevieve would have followed him but he cried out, "Look out, it is very deep here."
She stayed where she was, but so woebegone did her face become that Albert leapt ashore again, and before she knew what he was doing, picked her up, and was back on the slippery rock with her.
"Oh! the bold lad!" said the Professor.
The little sloop had been launched and Maurice could easily land on the big rock. He kissed Genevieve, and told the Count of his delight in seeing him again. Then he looked around him. The water surrounded them on all sides. He looked at Genevieve questioningly, but by way of response Albert simply picked her up again and went ashore with her. Maurice was quick and agile, he was even strong in a nervous way, but Albert's strength and agility filled him with wonder.
Esperance congratulated the Count on his prowess and his kind thought in enabling Genevieve to see Maurice a little sooner.
"It is because I know what that joy is myself," he answered simply.
Esperance's eyes grew moist as she turned to Albert.
"You are so good, you always do the right thing. I am prouder every day to be loved by you."